The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued type certification to ATR 42s and ATR 72s powered by the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-M engine, ATR said Thursday. The new engine series cuts fuel consumption by 3 percent and extends overhaul intervals by 40 percent, resulting in a 20 percent reduction in maintenance costs, according to ATR’s estimates.
The PW127XT requires only two scheduled engine overhauls in 10 years compared with three for the PW127M. The 40 percent extension of the engine maintenance interval, also known as time-on-wing, means the overhaul interval will increase to 20,000 from 14,000 flight hours. According to P&WC, the 3 percent fuel consumption benefit over the M series engine further extends the 40 percent fuel-burn advantage ATR holds over regional jets in the same seat category.
EASA's aircraft certification follows certification of the engine by Transport Canada and EASA in August and September, respectively. ATR expects the PW127XT-M engine to enter service with launch customer Air Corsica before the end of the year. Air Corsica placed an order for five of the airplanes upon the program’s launch at the 2021 Dubai Airshow.
“Receiving EASA type certification is an important step towards entry into service of this new standard engine on our ATR aircraft,” said ATR senior vice president of engineering Stephane Viala. “ATR teams have been working with our partners at Pratt & Whitney Canada and the authorities to secure certification and move closer to providing customers with even more economical and sustainable-powered regional turboprop aircraft. With maintenance cost benefits, CO2 savings, and SAF capability, it will help airlines such as Air Corsica, our launch customer, fulfill its industry pledges towards low-emission aviation.”